Outer Provinces
Remote expeditions for the wildest family adventures 🐢
The Outer Provinces of the Solomon Islands—comprising Isabel, Makira, Temotu, and Rennell & Bellona—represent the frontier of Pacific travel. These regions are geographically diverse and significantly more isolated than the capital or the Western Province. Travel here is an expedition; flights on small planes can be infrequent, and infrastructure is minimal. However, for families with a spirit of adventure and older children, the rewards are some of the most pristine natural encounters on the planet.
Santa Isabel is a standout for wildlife enthusiasts. The Arnavon Islands, located between Isabel and Choiseul, are the most important rookery for the endangered Hawksbill turtle in the Western Pacific. Families can join conservation rangers to watch these massive creatures come ashore to lay eggs, a profound experience that teaches children about biology and conservation firsthand. The villages in Isabel are known for being particularly clean and well-maintained, often winning national awards, which makes village stays more comfortable for visitors.
To the south lies Rennell Island, home to Lake Tegano (Te Nggano), the largest raised coral atoll lake in the world and a UNESCO World Heritage site. The landscape is dramatic, with high limestone cliffs and a vast expanse of brackish water. It is a birdwatcher's paradise, hosting species found nowhere else. Activities here are low-key: kayaking on the lake, swimming in its clear waters, and exploring the unique ecosystem. However, access is challenging, often involving a flight followed by a long truck ride on rough tracks.
Makira offers a different vibe, famous for its unique banana festivals and strong surf culture, though swimming requires caution due to ocean swells. In all these outer regions, families must be self-sufficient. Pack a comprehensive medical kit, reef shoes, life jackets for smaller children (as local boats may not have child sizes), and non-perishable snacks. These islands offer a chance to disconnect completely and experience the Pacific as it was decades ago.
Click a region to explore
Activities & Best Times
Hiking, wildlife, outdoor exploration, ecotourism
Home to the UNESCO-listed Lake Tegano and rare endemic birdlife, this region offers an authentic, untouched wilderness experience that is globally unique. Peak months provide the lowest regional rainfall for exploring remote trails, while the extreme precipitation of February and July can make the interior nearly inaccessible.
Beach resorts, marine activities: diving, snorkelling, kite surfing, wind surfing, sailing
Features world-class marine biodiversity and pristine reef systems like Marovo Lagoon, though it lacks the high-end luxury infrastructure of the Maldives. Nov-Dec offer the best underwater visibility and calmest conditions; the heavy rains of the monsoon months (Jan-Mar) significantly degrade water clarity and sea conditions.
Sport tourism, fitness activities, active recreation
An elite destination for intrepid divers and surfers seeking untouched breaks and high-integrity ecosystems far from commercial crowds. Peak months align with lower rainfall for better maritime transit and visibility, while the wet season (over 340mm/month) creates challenging conditions for outdoor pursuits.
Urban tourism, museums, historical sites, architecture
Provides sophisticated travelers with an authentic look at traditional Melanesian village life and colonial history away from mass tourism. Travel is best during the cooler, drier months to experience the slow, flexible pace of island travel comfortably.
Learning experiences, scientific sites, historical education
Provides sophisticated families with deep insights into traditional Melanesian culture and unique island ecosystems that remain disconnected from the modern world. The drier months allow for more reliable travel to remote villages, whereas heavy rains in the off-season can disrupt educational field trips and local community engagement.
